What does the Abstract Reasoning Test measure?

It measures how well candidates recognise patterns, follow sequences and infer rules from unfamiliar information. The focus is on reasoning ability rather than job specific knowledge or prior training.

How long does the test take?

The test takes 10 minutes to complete. Candidates answer 20 questions selected from a larger bank, so the assessment stays brief while still sampling core reasoning skills.

What kind of questions are included?

Questions use abstract figures or number patterns. For example, a candidate may need to identify the next shape in a sequence or complete a number series by finding the rule behind it.

Which roles is this test useful for?

It is useful for roles that require learning quickly, solving unfamiliar problems and making logical decisions. Examples include analyst, coordinator and support roles where people must process patterns and apply rules under time pressure.

How should I use the results in hiring?

Use the score as one input alongside interviews, experience and job related assessments. Higher results can indicate stronger reasoning potential, while lower results may suggest a need for closer review if the role depends heavily on problem solving.

Cognitive

Abstract Reasoning Test

The Abstract Reasoning Test is a 10 minute cognitive assessment for hiring teams that need a quick read on how candidates spot patterns, follow sequences and infer rules. It fits roles where people must interpret new information, solve unfamiliar problems and make sound decisions under time pressure.

10 mins20 questionsIntermediateMultiple choice

Summary of the Abstract Reasoning Test

Pattern recognitionSequencesRule inference

What it measures

3 dimensions, scored separately

Pattern recognition

This measures how well a candidate identifies relationships, repeats and changes across figures or numbers. At work, it matters when people need to spot trends, detect inconsistencies and make sense of incomplete information.

Sequences

This measures how accurately a candidate follows ordered progressions and predicts what should come next. It matters in jobs where people must track steps, anticipate outcomes and maintain logical flow in tasks or data.

Rule inference

This measures how well a candidate works out the hidden rule connecting a set of items. It matters when employees face unfamiliar situations and need to infer structure quickly before taking action.

The complete guide

Everything about the Abstract Reasoning Test

01What is the Abstract Reasoning Test?

This test measures how well a candidate works through unfamiliar problems using logic rather than learned subject knowledge. Questions focus on three core skills: spotting visual or numeric patterns, identifying the next step in a sequence and working out the rule that links a set of figures or numbers. A candidate might see a shape sequence that adds one side each step, or a number pattern that doubles from one term to the next. Because the test samples 20 questions from a larger bank of 60, it gives a broad view of reasoning ability while reducing overfamiliarity. It is a practical option for early screening in Springhire when you want evidence of thinking skills, not just resume claims.

02How does the Abstract Reasoning Test work?

Candidates answer 20 questions in 10 minutes. Items are drawn from a 60 question bank and presented at an Intermediate level, with each candidate receiving a randomised set. The format uses short abstract problems based on figures or numbers, and results are auto-scored for fast review and consistent comparison.

03Why is the Abstract Reasoning Test important to employers?

Hiring for roles that involve problem solving often means judging potential, not just experience. This test helps reduce the risk of advancing candidates who interview well but struggle to identify patterns, follow logic or adapt to new problems. It gives hiring teams a clearer signal on reasoning ability before investing more time in interviews.

Reading the report

How to interpret Abstract Reasoning Test results

Every candidate report scores each dimension separately. Here is what high and lower scores typically look like at work, and how to use them in your hiring decision.

Pattern recognition

High scorers: A high score suggests the candidate can quickly spot meaningful relationships and changes in new information.

Lower scorers: A low score suggests the candidate may miss patterns or need more time to recognise structure in data or visual information.

Sequences

High scorers: A high score suggests the candidate can follow progression rules accurately and predict next steps with confidence.

Lower scorers: A low score suggests the candidate may struggle to track ordered changes or extend a sequence correctly.

Rule inference

High scorers: A high score suggests the candidate can infer underlying logic from limited clues and apply it consistently.

Lower scorers: A low score suggests the candidate may find it harder to derive the rule behind unfamiliar problems.

What job roles can you hire with the Abstract Reasoning Test?

Business Analyst
Operations Analyst
Customer Support Specialist
Project Coordinator
Data Analyst

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